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Editorial Disclosure
Global Entry is getting a big speed boost, and the upgrade is quietly arriving at airports nationwide.
Customs and Border Protection is rolling out new overhead cameras that eliminate the kiosk photo step entirely, letting you walk straight to an officer for verification.
Here’s what’s changing.
The old Global Entry process
Clearing Global Entry has historically been a two-step process: snap a photo at a kiosk, then proceed to an officer for verification.
Back in the day, you’d also insert your passport, complete a brief customs declaration on the touchscreen, and a white receipt would print out to confirm completion.
That paper-receipt step was phased out a few years back and replaced with facial-comparison kiosks.
Those touchless kiosks quickly capture your photo, confirm your identity, and send you to an officer. This setup is now live at most, if not all, Global Entry airports.
But now, CBP has an even more streamlined solution to get you through the immigration hall.
Global Entry “On the Move” technology
The agency is installing overhead cameras in the Global Entry lanes that can identify multiple people at once.
It’s powered by what CBP calls “On the Move” biometric technology, which falls under the broader Seamless Border Entry (SBE) program.
The camera captures photos of every traveler passing through the Global Entry lane and automatically confirms your identity.
You walk straight to the verification step, where a CBP officer, equipped with a tablet displaying your photo, name, and flight details, confirms your information and sends you on your way.
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These new cameras are already up and running at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and according to numerous reader reports, they’re mostly working as intended.
That said, the rollout hasn’t been totally smooth. Some travelers have been left confused by the elimination of the kiosk step. Others have flagged that the new cameras can struggle to match faces when travelers are wearing glasses after a long-haul flight.
It’s worth noting that the old kiosk flow is reportedly still in place as a backup if the new facial recognition technology fails.
I asked CBP about the new process, but was told that the agency “is currently unable to provide comment regarding the new Global Entry technology.”
My take
I haven’t seen the new SFO setup in action yet, but I’ll update this story when I do.
If you’ve seen this process in action, please let me know what it’s like, particularly whether the cameras work for you on the first try.
Best credit cards for free Global Entry
If you’re not yet a Global Entry member, you could pay $120 for the five-year membership — or just use a credit card that covers it.
Several of my favorite cards reimburse the Global Entry application fee (typically as a statement credit every four years when you charge the fee to the card).
If there’s a card you’re interested in, using my affiliate links helps keep my content free. Thanks in advance.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® — Up to $120 in Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA Precheck statement credit every four years.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every four years.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card — Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every four years, on a card that has just a $95 annual fee.
- United℠ Explorer Card — Up to $120 Global Entry credit every four years for a card with a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, which then increases to $150.
- United Club℠ Card — Up to $120 Global Entry credit every four years, plus full United Club access.
Note that most cards only cover one membership per account every four to five years, so if multiple family members want Global Entry, you’ll need multiple cards.
The credit is generally automatic. Pay the $120 application fee with an eligible card, and the statement credit posts within 1 to 2 billing cycles.
The credit also applies to renewals, not just first-time applications.
Remember, Global Entry membership includes TSA Precheck benefits as well.
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